Former Stoke City star Paul Macari opens second Domino’s pizza shop

FORMER Stoke City striker Paul Macari is hoping to hit the target with a business expansion after opening another pizza shop.

The 36-year-old unveiled his second Domino’s pizza shop yesterday and created 15 jobs.

And he was joined by current Port Vale stars Tom Pope and Adam Yates, who helped open the branch in Leek Road, Abbey Hulton.

The new shop is the second that Paul, who is the son of former Stoke boss Lou Macari, has taken on after opening an outlet in Leek Road, Hanley, seven years ago.

The father-of-three, from Barthomley, says the new branch will allow him to make deliveries to areas including Stockton Brook, Endon and parts of Brown Edge.

A mixture of full and part-time jobs, including chefs and delivery drivers, have already been snapped up.

Paul, who played for the Potters between 1993 and 1998, said: “We have taken on 15 members of staff but we are always looking to recruit so people interested should get in touch.”

Vale player Adam has already enjoyed some of Paul’s pizzas after he delivered 16 to Vale Park when the club was struggling in administration back in March.

The 29-year-old believes footballers need to have a plan for when they leave the game.

The former Painsley Catholic College student, from Werrington, said: “I have done a degree in sports writing and broadcasting at Staffordshire University as I want to keep my options open but for now I want to play for as long as I can.

“We are never going to be earning the sums of money that will last us for life and looking at what Paul has achieved, he’s done very well.”

Despite hanging up his boots Paul, who retired from professional football in 2003, can still be spotted around the Potters’ training facilities as his sons Lewis, aged 10, and Joseph, aged nine, both play for the club’s academy.

He said: “There have been some big changes since I was at Stoke but the money that has been spent on the facilities mean my sons will have the best start they could hope for.

“My other son Taylor is four but I have bought him a football already.”

The store at Abbey Hulton will open from 11am until 11pm to collect orders.

Delivery will be available from the Hanley branch until 3am in the areas usually covered by the Abbey Hulton shop.